Quiet Storm : Voices of Young Black Poets

Rating:
Summary: A strong collection of young voices
Review: "Quiet Storm: Voices of Young Black Poets" is an anthology of poems selected by Lydia Omolola Okutoro, who also wrote an introduction. The anthology is divided into 8 thematic sections, each of which begins with a poem by an established poet (Langston Hughes, Alexis de Veaux, Lucille Clifton, etc.). The sections are entitled as follows: "Wearing Our Pride: Poems about Black Pride, Unity, and Beauty," "We, the Observers: Poems about the Poet as Keeper of the Oral Tradition," "Motherlands and the 'Hood: Poems about Home and Homelessness," "Trip to My Soul: Poems that Reflect on Self and Spirit," "Love Rhythms: Poems about Falling in Love and the Music it Brings," "The Struggle Continues: Poems about the Fight for Freedom," "After Tomorrow: Poems about Hopes and Dreams of a Brighter Future," and "To Our Elders: Poems that Salute Ancestors, Elders, and Mentors."

The poems are mostly written by poets who were in their teens. Each poem is accompanied by identification of the author's country and the age at which he/she wrote the poem. The book also includes biographical notes on each poet. The book has an international scope; in her introduction compiler Okutoro writes about her own Nigerian-American background and notes that the anthology "is a celebration of the African Diaspora" through the eyes of young people. Among the countries represented by the poets in this book are Somalia, Uganda, Haiti, Canada, and more. However, the poets represented overall are overwhelmingly from the U.S.A., so while the international approach is admirable, I don't think that the book fully achieves this vision.

Still, "Quiet Storm" is a frequently powerful and thought-provoking collection. Some of my favorite selections are as follows. "My First Love," by Jennifer McClune of New York: a love poem to black hair, written in vivid, muscular language. "A Missing Sun," by Kia Hayes of Pennsylvania: full of rich, startling imagery. "Deracinee," by Marie-Sabine Thomas of Haiti and Zaire: a fascinating meditation of ethnic and linguistic identity. And "The Question," by Amy E. Auzenne of Texas: a powerful poem about being a light-skinned black person. Overall, it's a vibrant and memorable anthology that I recommend both to teen and older readers.

Rating:
Summary: A strong collection of young voices
Review: "Quiet Storm: Voices of Young Black Poets" is an anthology of poems selected by Lydia Omolola Okutoro, who also wrote an introduction. The anthology is divided into 8 thematic sections, each of which begins with a poem by an established poet (Langston Hughes, Alexis de Veaux, Lucille Clifton, etc.). The sections are entitled as follows: "Wearing Our Pride: Poems about Black Pride, Unity, and Beauty," "We, the Observers: Poems about the Poet as Keeper of the Oral Tradition," "Motherlands and the 'Hood: Poems about Home and Homelessness," "Trip to My Soul: Poems that Reflect on Self and Spirit," "Love Rhythms: Poems about Falling in Love and the Music it Brings," "The Struggle Continues: Poems about the Fight for Freedom," "After Tomorrow: Poems about Hopes and Dreams of a Brighter Future," and "To Our Elders: Poems that Salute Ancestors, Elders, and Mentors."

The poems are mostly written by poets who were in their teens. Each poem is accompanied by identification of the author's country and the age at which he/she wrote the poem. The book also includes biographical notes on each poet. The book has an international scope; in her introduction compiler Okutoro writes about her own Nigerian-American background and notes that the anthology "is a celebration of the African Diaspora" through the eyes of young people. Among the countries represented by the poets in this book are Somalia, Uganda, Haiti, Canada, and more. However, the poets represented overall are overwhelmingly from the U.S.A., so while the international approach is admirable, I don't think that the book fully achieves this vision.

Still, "Quiet Storm" is a frequently powerful and thought-provoking collection. Some of my favorite selections are as follows. "My First Love," by Jennifer McClune of New York: a love poem to black hair, written in vivid, muscular language. "A Missing Sun," by Kia Hayes of Pennsylvania: full of rich, startling imagery. "Deracinee," by Marie-Sabine Thomas of Haiti and Zaire: a fascinating meditation of ethnic and linguistic identity. And "The Question," by Amy E. Auzenne of Texas: a powerful poem about being a light-skinned black person. Overall, it's a vibrant and memorable anthology that I recommend both to teen and older readers.

Rating:
Summary: Poems express the feelings and expressions of young blacks
Review: I have read this book of poetry by the seemingly inexperienced black poets and I have always believed that we as adults should listen to our children instead of just telling them what to do and when to do it. We have tried to raise our children to believe in us as their parents and their first teachers. Then must instill in them that we will stand by them in their growing up process. If they have a problem with that we must make sure that we will be there for them in their time of need.

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful poems
Review: I read this book about 5 or 6 years ago and I could never find it in bookstores. I reread it and I thought, what a talented young lady. I wonder if the young authors are still writing now.

Rating:
Summary: Are you in love got the blues or need a friend?
Review: My mind was blown from this display of creativity and expression by a group of people who normally go unheard in the literary world. I saw a lot of potential in these young writers and would really like to read more from them, especially those in the "Love Rhythms" section. I was particularly impressed by the vivid imagery,grown-up tone and experienced voice found in poems like "Just Like Your Kiss" and "Baby, Baby". I hope the young talents in this collection will be nurtured and cultivated. And to the authors: Please continue to offer yourselves as spokespersons for those in your generation to whom the words don't come as easily. You truly are gifted.

Rating:
Summary: Quiet Storm
Review: This is an excellent book especially for teens and young adults. This book has a nice selection of poems, by young black poets, and the topics discussed range from racism to black pride to diversity to accepting one another. I thought this book was so good that I read a selection of poems, from the book, to my english class.
Anyone who is looking for a good selection of poems, I would suggest that you purchase this book. I think that you'll really enjoy it.